FWD: Coming To A BMW 1 Series Near You.

A recent report from Automotive News says that BMW plans to launch a new entry level 1 series sedan. This sedan, titled internally as NES (New Entry-level Sedan), will be the start of a range of front wheel drives available from BMW.

"The NES is integral to our growth plans," a BMW insider source revealed. "It will be an important pillar in the future 1-series lineup, particularly in the U.S. and China, where sales of small premium-brand four-door sedans are on the rise."

The 1 Series Sedan would join the Audi A3 Sedan and the Mercedes CLA in the premium sedan market. Both the Audi and the Mercedes also utilize a front wheel drive set up platform. BMW's front drive platform will be the one used in the new F56 MINI. This platform is also capable of supporting an all-wheel set up, leaving more options open for the line up in the future.

Due to launch in 2017, the 1-series sedan will precede the third-generation 1-series hatchback, whose current rear-wheel drive will be replaced by front-wheel drive.

Engine options will include three and four cylinder direct-injection gas as well as common-rail diesel units. A plug-in hybrid option may also be available in the future.

Instead of re-inventing the Honda Accord, BMW should be trying to elevate the brand. How do you do that? Better marketing--if there are not enough enthusiasts, then create them! Better driver training in the states would be a great start and maybe get people to realize that front wheel drive isn't the end all be all of automotive evolution, even in northerly climates. Instead of repeatedly dumbing everything down, it would be nice if anyone selling anything in the US would actually raise the level of dialog and stop just going after the least common denominator. We don't like BMWs because they drive like a Ford Focus. The bean counters must be getting desperate.

BTW, the Mini isn't a platform from which to base anything else on, it's a stinking pile that the company should never have gotten involved with in the first place.

No12 commented: October 13, 2013, 6:40 pm

Big deal, there are lots of RWD BMWs, just buy the 2 Series which is really the continuation of the previous 1 Series.

SilverX3 commented: October 15, 2013, 8:00 pm

Few year ago bmw pledged

There will be no Fwd Bmw - liar
There will be no turbo charged m cars - liar
Bmw remains the ultimate driving pleasure -liar